High School and College Writing Tutor. College Counselor.

Courtney S.

Over the last three decades, I have taught, tutored, and run my own college
counseling business. I’ve taught in public and private middle schools and high
schools and worked as an adjunct member of two college English departments. I
have also worked at two writing centers. Throughout, I have enjoyed working
with a range of learners, where my focus was both developmental and academic.

I focused part of my graduate training on rhetoric. The rigorous approach I
came to value from my first encounter with John Gage’s The Shape of Reason has
informed my teaching. I have been consistent in my application of Gage, having
students create a thesis statement with one supporting reason that aids in their
development of a logical paper. My experience has been that students gain in
reading comprehension and precise ordering of support for their arguments.

The interpersonal aspects of my work have always been fulfilling to me. I
appreciate the particular sense of humor many students possess and their bravery
in showing up to learn. My recent experience with a college counseling business
has further emphasized my enjoyment of private instruction and my commitment
to following students’ individualized programs of academic excellence.

In addition to my teaching, I have attended or been admitted to juried
creative writing workshops at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the Sewanee Writer’s
Conference, and Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. I have
grown in my experience of being an adult learner in these small workshops,
sitting across from a careful reader who may or may not fully understand the
intention of my work. I bring this humility and awareness to my students.